How to Choose the Best Wi-Fi Smart Power Strip for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Wi-Fi smart power strips

Overview

Wi-Fi Smart Power Strips are a great choice for anyone who wants to automate their home and take their home automation to the next level. They are an easy and convenient way to control multiple devices in one location with a single app or remote. With Wi-Fi Smart Power Strips, you can save energy and money by controlling when devices turn on and off, set schedules and monitor usage. This buying guide will provide an overview of the features to consider when shopping for a Wi-Fi smart power strip, as well as reviews of some of the leading products on the market.

Key features

  • Compatibility: Is the smart power strip compatible with your home network and other devices?
  • Wi-Fi Capability: Does the power strip have Wi-Fi capabilities or will it require a physical connection?
  • Voice Control: Does the power strip have voice control capabilities, and is it compatible with major voice services such as Alexa or Google Home?
  • Number of Outlets: How many outlets does the power strip have?
  • Power Rating: What is the maximum power rating of the power strip?
  • Surge Protection: Does the power strip have surge protection?
  • Size and Design: Is the power strip small and compact in design? Does it fit the space you are looking to use it in?
  • Price: Is the price of the power strip within your budget?

See the most popular Wi-Fi smart power strips on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Remotely Manageable - With Wi-Fi smart power strips, users can control and manage their electronics from any location, using their mobile device.
  • Energy Efficient - Wi-Fi smart power strips are designed to help reduce energy costs by controlling electricity usage remotely.
  • Surge Protection - Wi-Fi smart power strips are designed to provide surge protection and help protect users’ electronics from power spikes.
  • Automation - Wi-Fi smart power strips allow users to automate certain electronics to turn on/off at specific times.
  • Voice Activation - Users can control their electronics with voice with certain Wi-Fi smart power strips.

Cons

  • Security Concerns: Wi-Fi smart power strips typically rely on cloud-based technologies, which can have weak security protocols. This could potentially lead to a data breach if the device is hacked, leaving the user’s data vulnerable.
  • Functionality: Some Wi-Fi smart power strips are only compatible with certain devices and may not be compatible with the user’s current hardware.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi smart power strips require a good and reliable connection to a user’s home network in order to function properly. This can be difficult to maintain, especially in larger homes or when there are multiple devices connected to the same network.
  • Cost: Wi-Fi smart power strips can be significantly more expensive than traditional power strips, depending on the features they offer.
  • Power Usage: Wi-Fi smart power strips often require a certain amount of power to operate, which may be more than traditional power strips. This can lead to higher electricity bills.

Best alternatives

  1. Smart Plug - A device that connects to a power socket and can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or voice assistant.
  2. Smart Outlet - A device that plugs into an outlet and can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or voice assistant.
  3. Smart Switch - A wall switch that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or voice assistant.
  4. Smart Power Strip - A power strip that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or voice assistant.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

Common questions

  1. What is a Wi-Fi smart power strip?
    A Wi-Fi smart power strip is an electrical device that is connected to a home Wi-Fi network. It can be programmed to control multiple devices such as lights and appliances at once. It can also be used to schedule when a device should turn on or off, and in some cases, can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or other mobile device.
  2. What are the benefits of using a Wi-Fi smart power strip?
    Using a Wi-Fi smart power strip allows you to easily control your devices remotely, from anywhere with an internet connection. You can also set schedules for devices to turn on and off at specific times, helping to save energy and money. Additionally, it provides surge protection to prevent damage to connected devices from unexpected power fluctuations.
  3. What features should I consider when buying a Wi-Fi smart power strip?
    When purchasing a Wi-Fi smart power strip, you should consider the number of outlets available, the number of devices it can control at once, any wireless protocols it supports, the range it can control from, and any additional features such as surge protection.
  4. How do I set up a Wi-Fi smart power strip?
    Setting up a Wi-Fi smart power strip typically requires connecting the device to a power outlet and then connecting it to your home Wi-Fi network. Afterward, you can begin programming the device to control your devices. Depending on the model, you may be able to do this through a mobile app or by using the device's control panel.
  5. Are Wi-Fi smart power strips secure?
    Most Wi-Fi smart power strips are secure, but it is important to make sure the device you are purchasing is using the latest security protocols. Make sure to review the device's documentation to ensure it is secure. Additionally, be sure to change the default password to a strong and unique one to enhance security.

Trivia

A quirky fact about Wi-Fi smart power strips is that many of them are designed to be controlled with a voice. This means that you can turn on your lights, start your coffee maker, and more without ever having to lift a finger. Amazon's product, the 'Wemo Mini Smart Plug', is designed to be compatible with Alexa and can be controlled with voice commands like "Alexa, turn on the lights". It's a fun and convenient way to make your home more efficient! Source: https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Mini-Smart-Plug-Alexa/dp/B072JXKJ2N

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.